24 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
In this busy world we can hardly find time just for ourselves, but we do find time to be distracted. Note: this statement is all about “me, me, me” (which also includes our immediate family). There are many Christians who either have not heard or don’t care about this phrase after becoming a Christian, “Now that I am a Christian my priorities in life have changed to …God first, family second, me and the world third”. We need to read this scripture every day.
13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13 – 14 (KJV)
Now that we have just read what God expects of us and what we can expect from Him at our judgement. He is very clear and straight forward as to how we are to live our life.
Spiritual Growth Isn’t Accidental
Many Christians want to grow in their faith, become more loving, more like Christ yet mere hope is not the sure way to success. Spiritual development does not come automatically, like physical fitness or academic achievements, it takes consistency, intentionality and structure.
Daily spiritual formation is the process by which we allow God to shape our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships each day. It does not have to do with you trying harder to be good, it has to do with yielding to the transformative work of God through the Scripture, prayer, worship and obedience.
Why Daily Matters
Why emphasize daily spiritual habits? Because we are shaped every day, either by the world around us or by the Spirit within us. We decide what will affect our thoughts, it is easy to become complacent or lost without a regular and consistent Christian Character that shows our daily spiritual maturity.
As we develop habits of practice that leads us to God, we start to think like Christ, respond like Christ, and love like Christ. In that progression lies the evidence of true discipleship.
Habits That Nourish the Soul
While no two people’s spiritual routines will look identical, there are a few core practices that form the bedrock of spiritual formation. These aren’t religious checklists but sacred rhythms that keep our hearts open to God.
- Daily Scripture Engagement
Yes, the Bible is a history book of “How and Why God created the heavens and the earth” but it also tells us the reason why He sent His only begotten Son to be the final blood sacrifice for our sins. Provided, of course, we humans accept His Plan of Salvation on His terms.
Reading, pondering and practicing the commandments of God daily is a discipline that is expected for maintaining our salvation after our baptism as well as, becoming spiritually responsible followers of Christ. The length of time that should be devoted to this process is stated in.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (KJV)
Rather than going lightly over a chapter in the Bible, you need to ask yourself such questions as:
- What does God say about himself?
- What is He teaching me about myself and His expectations?
- How will my life be different because of this truth?
- Intentional Prayer
Praying is not communicating with God through a one-way street “Lord help me!”, “Lord, give me this or that”, but having a relationship with Him that our prayer is more like a respected, reverent conversation. It is the area where our thoughts go at a slower pace and our souls are attentive. Daily spiritual formation through prayer means offering our thoughts, needs, and even our daily worship to God.
Make a habit of praying in the morning to make your intention about the day known to God, and at the end of the day meditate and give thanks for what you have received. These short but effective prayers exercises the heart and soul to be spiritually alert.
- Worship and Gratitude
Worship isn’t confined to Sunday services. It’s a posture of the heart. Create a daily habit of worship by studying God’s Word and worshiping Him with music, silence, and acknowledging that Jesus is your Savior and Lord. It is the mighty weapon that turns even the roughest days around and makes us grateful to God about what He has already accomplished.
- Obedience in Small Things
Spiritual formation is not just knowledge, but rather it is obedience. It is important to choose love in conflict, speak the truth in love, resist the temptation, or serve others when it is inconvenient. The more we obey the more we build on the solid rock of Jesus.
- Self-Examination
Each time at the end of the day, ask yourself:When did I feel the presence of God today?
- What’s lacking in me?
- What did God see about me today? Did I ask for forgiveness of my sins?
With this type of reflection, we are more conscious of our spiritual path and ready to learn.
Formation Through Struggles
In many cases, it is the difficult days that end up being the most shaping action of our walk with Christ, it’s not the agonizing waiting, disappointments, and pain, even though they do teach us patience, but they are not the antidotes to spiritual formation; they are spiritual formation itself. During such times, we are driven by habit, remember from previous blogs that habits form our character and Jesus judges our character.
To help us to endure the hard times, God teaches us to be faithful in the ordinary. Jesus said, “…come unto me ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest…”
Community and Formation
Spiritual formation does not occur in a vacuum; it is time to get in touch with fellow believers who can take this journey with you. Make a small group, pair with a person to pray with or just discuss your daily reflections and problems with. This group of fellow Christians will become a central “safety spot” you can go to, to get “recharged and relief”.
Looking Ahead
The journey of daily consistent growth is one of both discipline and delight. It’s not always easy, but over time, it becomes a joy. You start noticing the changes in your mindset, your reactions, your prayers. You start to desire time with God rather than forcing it. And that’s when formation truly takes root.
If you’re ready to deepen this practice, stay connected here at TheDoctrineOfChrist.net. Ken F. Miller’s upcoming book, Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, slated for release in August 2025, will explore the deeper dimensions of spiritual maturity, offering scriptural guidance for believers seeking a life built on consistent, Christ-centered habits.
